My fiance and I are looking for a wedding photographer and Videographer (separately of course), for our low key downtown church wedding on July XX, 2017.

We are very focused on the marriage itself, and want to budget appropriately for a wedding that shows our love-filled spirit and low key personality.

Although we might sound cheap looking for photographers/videogra​phers on Craigslist, we are actually two attractive (and humble) young professional attorneys and this would also be a great start/networking opportunity for anyone who wants to start being connected in XXXX.

We really don't want to spend more than $600 on photography or video (each), but do realize that a large amount of time goes into editing and shooting weddings. Please submit a bid of what you think this wedding coverage would cost, covering about 6 HRS, including family pictures before and during the reception after. Let me know if you also throw in bridal portraits, engagements or some other specialty.

Please reply with samples of your photography/work, and a approximate cost. I would love to meet up with people who really fit our taste and discuss further the details of a contract.

"What time do I expect my photographer (and videographer) to arrive on the day of the wedding" ▪ to shoot photos of the bride during final preparations before the wedding ? ▪ only to shoot the wedding and/or the formal shots of the bridal party ?

"How long do I expect my photographer (and videographer) to stay on the day of the wedding? ▪ to cover the reception early on, and stay until B&G drive off into the sunset ?

I have shot my share of weddings and spent my share of 10-12 hour days, they are often very tiring endurance marathons! 6 hours at $600...does that expectation of time match your expectation of what is covered (above).

1.5 hours to shoot preparations of bride, then drive to the wedding1.5 hours (rushed) to shoot ceremony and group formals3.0 hours to drive to and be at the reception, then leave -- even though cake cut, key wedding party dance shots, garter toss and bouquet toss have not take place?!

Yeah, you might find a novice at wedding coverage will to try to do a reasonable job in exchange for the experience and material for a portfolio. Would you want to hire an attorney who just passed the Bar who is willing to work for half the going rate, simply 'for the experience'?

If building a portfolio, might be worth it, especially if the couple is attractive. But you better have a great contract that covers all the bases. Anytime I see attorney listed, should just make you aware that they could become an issue. Their legal costs are free, yours are not. You better know what you are doing.

Newsflash... person posts ad on Craiglist wanting something but not wanting to pay a lot... erm... using the medium as most people wanting something on Craigslist do.

Good opportunity if you are just starting out and can't get any wedding gigs to build a portfolio. I've come across plenty of togs who haven't been able to get gigs even offering their services for free.

Not a good opportunity if you are running a full time toggery business. Not financially viable.

Bottom line... there are market segments from free to tens of thousands. This just happens to be one of those falling near the bottom end.

Couple being perfectly upfront about what they want and what they are prepared to pay. Any tog who tries to get the gig does so with full knowledge of what they are bidding for. Where is the problem with that?

memoriesoftomorrow wrote in post #18306680Couple being perfectly upfront about what they want and what they are prepared to pay. Any tog who tries to get the gig does so with full knowledge of what they are bidding for. Where is the problem with that?

thats all fine but dont dress it up a "Great opportunity for a wedding photographer" because its not a great opportunity

WMSL = Wet My Self Laughing. Told you I don't swear. Peter is right about the couple being honest for budget. I knew a social club who had a budget for acts. Any who charged more would get booked at what they asked for but on arrival were told they would only get the small fee. If they insisted that the booking was honored they let the act go on but would "Pay Them Up" towards the end of the first spot which is akin to getting buzzed off in the "Got Talent" auditions for a fee that covered expenses. Usually clubs only did it to terrible acts, but this one club were always doing it to get acts for cheap. However, Tony is also right. Here in the UK, goodwill stores (charity shops) don't ask for volunteers but instead advertise as 'Volunteer Opportunities" as if it's like a full time job, and that's a cheek. You now have to fill an application to volunteer.They should be grateful for people volunteering when in fact they are trying to make volunteers feel grateful for being given an opportunity. And this is creeping into paid photography, not just weddings, as companies promise 'Great exposure' in return for free or heavily discounted fees, when in reality it's hardly exposure at at all. How long before some so called 'Brands' want to charge togs for the opportunity to work with them for the 'Promise' of well paid gigs when the brand takes off, only for another struggling pro getting offered the same meagre crumbs next time? Or for a major brand to charge a tog for the (admittedly real) exposure?

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